Email Photo Cards? Or Mail Them?

I mailed out photo Christmas cards with a short letter about our family. One of my recipients emailed me a photo Christmas card that they obviously mailed to others. Is this appropriate?

Anonymous

Dear Anonymous,

Certainly, Ms. Cards Etiquette is a big proponent of sending written correspondence when you’re able to do so. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: written correspondence stands out in this email and electronic world.

In this situation, however, I’d say you just don’t know the whole story behind this particular mailing. There are many reasons this person may have decided not to send their photo card via mail. Maybe they didn’t have your postal address. Maybe they were really concerned you would not receive the Christmas card in time. Maybe this person was simply out of cash and couldn’t afford enough cards for everyone on their list, but still wanted to send something. Maybe. Maybe. Maybe.

The point is, you don’t know. And honestly, it doesn’t matter. This person was thinking of you during the holiday season, and did send you a card.

If he/ she asks about it, or you see them the next time, simply thank them for the e-card and move on. Life’s too short to sweat the small stuff, and you can only control your own actions, and not those of other people.